Ann Siverling

Ann Siverling is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time. She prefers to meet people in person at the Benedictine Center but can also be available to meet virtually on Zoom. Ann is a teacher, pastor, chaplain, spiritual director, writer, musician, and bereavement counselor. Ann received her B A. from St. Olaf College, M.Div. from Luther Seminary, MBA from Bethel University, certification in Spiritual Direction from the Christos Center in Lino Lakes, certification on Servant Leadership from University of Madison Continuing Studies, and certification in Thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement) from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.  Ann has also been an oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery since 2013. Ann has been blessed by the listening and guidance of her own spiritual directors for the past 25 years. She has experienced being listened to “with the heart of God” by her own spiritual directors, and that is what she tries to do with her own directees. Ann’s spirituality can best be described as both Benedictine and Ignatian. Ann finds immense joy and wonder in listening deeply to others, and to help them see God’s “fingerprints” in their lives. Ann loves to help others see…

Anne Maule Miller

Anne Maule Miller completed a Masters in Theology from St. Kate’s in 2007 and Spiritual Direction Training through the FSPAs in 2015.  She is a Lay Minister for Spirituality/Theology at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in St. Paul. Over the past 20 years she has facilitated numerous educational sessions, retreats and group spiritual direction. Anne and her husband Lee share their lives with 6 children, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition, she now serves as a board member for her local watershed, gardens with Hmong farmers, and practices both Tai Chi and beekeeping.

Audrey Lucier

Audrey Lucier is the director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, Wis. She holds graduate degrees in public health from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn.  Audrey was certified and completed advanced training in the Enneagram Spectrum of Personality Types with Jerry Wagner, Ph.D., and has done additional training with Russ Hudson and Beatrice Chestnut.  In addition to an introduction to the Enneagram, Audrey has presented on the Enneagram in relationships, emotional intelligence, leadership, and spiritual direction.

Bussho Lahn

Chris James

Along with his spouse, Susan, Chris James is the owner and lead farmer at Fresh Earth Farms, a community-supported agriculture farm in Denmark Township, MN. He began his career in the tech industry and made the transition to farming in 2002. Chris believes in farming with no synthetic chemicals and Fresh Earth Farms donates over 2000 pounds of produce to local food shelves each year.

Christine Jurisich

Christine Jurisich is the author of Retreat, Reflect, Renew and founder of the Reflect and Renew Ministry, where she serves as a national retreat facilitator, trainer, writer and spiritual director.  She initially worked with Ministry of Mothers Sharing founded by the Sisters of Saint Benedict.

Christine Luna Munger

Christine Luna Munger serves as Coordinator & Professional Professor of Theology for the Spiritual Direction Certificate in the graduate department of Theology at St. Catherine University. She is a College of Saint Benedict alumna (’02) and graduated with a double major in Theology and Peace Studies. Christine completed her master’s degree in Christian Spirituality at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, with a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Direction (‘06). Christine completed doctoral studies in Practical Theology at Saint Thomas University in Miami (’14). The title of her dissertation is Five Ordinary Movements for Practical Theological Spiritual Formation. Christine also completed training as a supervisor for spiritual directors through Together in the Mystery (2016). Christine is affiliated with Kaleidoscope Institute and is committed to intercultural awareness and practices of inclusion. She has interests in Ordinary Spirituality, Ignatian Spirituality, Benedictine spirituality, Discernment, Spiritual Practice, Contemplative Practice, Intercultural Encounter, and intentional living communities. Christine is a wife and mother of two young children. She is bilingual (English & Spanish) and enjoys all forms of dance, swimming, and being outdoors.

Diane Boruff

Diane Boruff is a 30 year plus Centering Prayer practitioner who is grateful to have this prayer in her daily life. She now serves as a member of the Minnesota Contemplative Outreach Service Team and is a former Minnesota Chapter Coordinator.  Currently commissioned by National Contemplative Outreach as a Presenter of Centering Prayer and the Welcoming Prayer, she serves on the national Formation Team and is a mentor for the Welcoming Prayer. She is a retired teacher and is grateful for her wonderful family: her husband, two adult children, two darling grand babies, and her mother.

Eily Marlow

Eily Marlow serves as the Program Associate for Vocation and Reflection in the Center for Civic Engagement at Macalester College. She enjoys working with people as they discover how their values and convictions inform their actions in the world.  She understands vocational discernment as both a personal and communal activity and believes listening to and sharing life narratives to be transformational.

Ellie Hyatt

Ellie Hyatt is a communications trainer and retreat leader. Trained as a spiritual director, she also instructs people and groups in Mindful Self-Compassion. Ellie has experience as a social worker at both the county and state level, and drew on that experience to oversee the residential family program at The Retreat, a recovery educational program in Wayzata, Minnesota.  

Father Michael Peterson, OSB

Father Michael Peterson, OSB is a monk of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN. Currently, he serves as Vocation and Oblate Director. He also ministers to students at the College of Saint Benedict as a sacramental chaplain. Fr. Peterson enjoys being outside, swimming, and playing Native American flute.

Fr. Michael Joncas

Fr. Michael Joncas is a prolific composer of contemporary Catholic music, a professor at the University of St. Thomas, and a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Gwen Pickering

The Benedictine sisters were part of my early faith formation.  To my surprise, they have been a huge part of my ongoing formation as an adult. So, being able to be part of the Benedictine Center feels like home to me. My life took a radical change in 2004. My only child left to go to college in August and my dad died in September. I felt totally lost. The only thing I knew for sure was that even though I attended church regularly and had a strong faith life, I was being called to come away, be silent, and grow closer to God. Given the fact that I am extremely extraverted, it seemed odd. But the call to silence was clear and persistent. I accepted the call and went on a week-long silent retreat.  It was amazing! The next month, I went on a 30-day silent retreat.  In the 12 years since those experiences, I have continued to spend time alone with God every month at various retreat centers. During those retreats, I learned many new ways of praying: listening to God in scripture, dialoguing with Jesus, and praying in ways that have no words at all. I also…

Jackie Bohrer

Jackie Bohrer has been working with children and youth for 25 years as a teacher and clinical social worker in Minnesota. She is as well an artist who has an ability to create meaningful liturgical experiences for a variety of communities with passion and enthusiasm.

Jennifer Frenz

Jennifer Frenz is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time. She is available to meet in person at the Benedictine Center or virtually on Zoom. Jennifer is a compassionate spiritual director focused on helping people deepen their relationship with God. As a person of faith, she has always felt called to serve others, and finds great joy in accompanying people on their spiritual journeys. Jennifer’s approach to spiritual direction is deeply rooted in the teachings of Saints Ignatius and Benedict. She believes that God speaks to us through our experiences and that we can discern God’s will by paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and desires. In spiritual direction, she encourages directees to cultivate a contemplative stance towards life, to listen for the movements of the Holy Spirit, and to discern how God is calling them to respond. Jennifer has been trained in the art of spiritual conversation and in creating a safe and sacred space where people can share their deepest hopes and fears. She listens without judgment, asks probing questions, and offers gentle guidance and support. She encourages directees to trust their own inner wisdom and to develop a greater awareness of God’s presence in their…

Jody Reis Johnson

Jody Reis Johnson, M.Div., MSW, is a retired mental health professional who worked in a variety of settings including ministry development, private practice, and with political refugees at the Center for Victims of Torture.  She has a special interest in the intersection of spirituality and psychology.  A longtime practitioner of Centering Prayer, Jody received her commissioning as a Presenter/Facilitator through National Contemplative Outreach in 2013 and now teaches contemplative theology and practice in a variety of contexts.  She and her husband, Bryce, a retired United Methodist minister, live in Mahtomedi.  They have three grown sons and five grandchildren.

Kari Alice Olsen

Kathleen Atkinson

Sister Kathleen Atkinson is a Benedictine Sister from the Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND. Nationally recognized as an energetic and creative leader in hunger and homelessness education, she has developed service learning experiences for all age groups and led service teams to a variety of foreign and United States locations. Kathleen has been a teacher at the elementary, secondary, university level and has served as director of catechesis for the diocese of Bismarck. In 2013 she founded Ministry on the Margins, working with at risk youth, prison inmates, the homeless, and others who are God’s poor among us. Ministry on the Margins currently serves over 800 people with 80-90 volunteers each week. Kathleen holds an MA in Theology from St John’s University and a Doctorate in Ministry from the St Paul Seminary School of Divinity, University of St Thomas. She is the author of several articles on spirituality and mission as well as two books published by Liguori Press – God is Always There. Psalms for Every Moment,  and Letting Go and Letting God. 21 Centuries of Faith. 

Kathy Fleming

Kathy Fleming serves as Artist Coordinator for the Benedictine Center and Co-Chair of the Art and Spirituality Committee. Learn more about her work online at www.kflemingart.com.

Kathy Fleming

Kathy Fleming is an artist and lover of books and the written word. She gathers words and makes them her own, much as she assembles line and color on her canvas(www.kflemingArt.com). She is co-author with Victor Klimoski of What Do You See, What Do You Hear; a second volume in that series is forthcoming.  They also co-author the weekly e-posting, “WordImage.”

Katy Wehr

Katy Wehr wrote her PhD dissertation on The Man Born to be King by Dorothy L. Sayers and graduated from the University of St Andrews’ Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts in Scotland.  She is currently working on a related book and has published a number of scholarly articles about Sayers.  She is also a folk musician and has a recent album on women in the Gospels entitled And All the Marys.  Information about her research and music can be found at www.katywehrmusic.com.

Laurie Erickson

Laurie Erickson began her Centering Prayer practice in 2007 and completed her spiritual direction program through Christos in 2011. She loves listening to the Holy Spirit with others in individual or group spiritual direction. She regularly facilitates centering prayer on Thursday evenings in the online meditation chapel. She is humbled and amazed by how the Holy Spirit accompanies us on this journey. May you sense God’s loving presence with you.

LeAnn Linder-Scholer

LeAnn Linder-Scholer is a career and life planning professional, meditation instructor, compassionate listener, and spiritual guide. She trained at the Shalem Institute (Maryland) and has extensive experience with Centering Prayer and teaching. LeAnn maintains a special love for accompanying young adults and parents on the spiritual journey.

Lisa Mer

Lisa is a trained facilitator in Poetry as a Tool for Wellness and a certified spiritual director. More info about Lisa can be found at Soul – Symbol.com

Lynda Gradert, OblSB

Lynda Gradert is a long-term Oblate of St. Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota, practitioner of the 12 steps and life- long seeker.  She has a steady practice of loneliness and wants to share her wisdom and learn from others.

Mary Lapham

Mary Lapham is Co-Coordinator of Minnesota Contemplative Outreach. She is on the 12-Step Spirituality team and the National Contemplative Outreach Welcoming Prayer Team. She is grateful everyday for her health, family, and life.

Michael Rowe

Michael Rowe is an Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery and a practitioner of Centering Prayer.

Norman Wirzba

Norman Wirzba is Professor of Theology, Ecology, and Agrarian Studies at Duke Divinity School. He studied history at the University of Lethbridge, theology at Yale Divinity School, and philosophy at Loyola University, Chicago. His writing and teaching focuses on understanding and promoting practices that equip both rural and urban church communities to be more faithful and responsible members of creation. Dr. Wirzba was raised on a farm in Southern Alberta, which shaped his passion for being outdoors and growing food. Married to Gretchen Ziegenhals, and also the father of four children, he enjoys baking, cooking, woodworking, and playing the guitar. He also says of himself, “I once was a good athlete!”

Rev. Paul Tillman

Rev. Paul Tillman serves as lead pastor at Heartwood Church in Oakdale. Paul has earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Grace School of Theology and Ministry, a B.A. in Humanities and Religious Studies from California State University Sacramento, and a M.Div. from Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is ordained in The Wesleyan Church and, as of 2016, an oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery. Paul has been blessed to live in multi-cultural communities, growing up and ministering in the San Francisco Bay Area, later in the Sacramento Metro Area, and now in Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area. Paul blogs at Imitatio Dei. His seminary emphasis was spiritual formation in multi-generational and multi-ethnic contexts. Husband to a strong wife. Father to two creative daughters. Servant of the life-giving God. Contact Pastor Paul at pastorpaul@oakdalechurch.org

Rev. Peter Nycklemoe

Rev. Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, M. Div.

Sheryl Lyndes Stowman is an interspiritual spiritual director and consultant, a minister within the United Church of Christ and a Diamond Approach Teacher.  She has spent many years teaching spiritual development with professionals and providing spiritual guidance with groups and individuals.  She has practiced both Christian and Buddhist meditation and other contemplative and expressive modalities for the past 35 years.  She has a particular love for the playful, the imaginative and for how the Divine surprises and draws us closer.  Check out her website: http://inamoratacenter.com  

Rev. Terri Hansen

Rev. Terri Hansen, BA, MDiv, is Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Central Baptist Church in St. Paul. She is a graduate of Bethel University, both the college and seminary. She recently completed a two-year certificate with the Renovare Institute of Spiritual Formation. Terri does a variety of teaching and facilitating of groups, retreats, and individual spiritual direction, and loves creating space for sacred encounters and quiet reflection. She also directs a non-profit that provides after-school programming to youth in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul.

Rev. Zanne Ness

Zanne Ness serves as the volunteer chaplain at Ministry on the Margins and as a volunteer at the North Dakota State Penitentiary.  She is an oblate at Annunciation Monastery and a spiritual director.  Following retirement from a career as a clinical psychologist, she was ordained an Episcopal priest in 2011 and served on the Bishop’s staff from that time until 2019.  Her education was completed at West Texas State University and the University of South Dakota as well as seminary courses at Providence Theological School.  She is married to Terrance and has three children and four grandchildren.

S. Joanne Dehmer SSND

Joanne is a native Minnesotan, having grown up in St. Michael. She and her twin brother are the youngest in a family of six children. Her years with the School Sisters of Notre Dame have spanned a wide variety of activities and ministries. With extensive skills in teaching and training, she also has wide-ranging pastoral experience in parish and retreat settings. Joanne began spiritual direction ministry over forty years ago. Since 1994 she has been a team member at Loyola, where she has conducted retreats and served as spiritual director for a large and diverse clientele. The depth and width of her experience, coupled with her easy presence and inquiring intelligence enhances her professional qualifications as a spiritual director. Joanne received a Masters Degree in Ministry from Seattle University, after receiving training in Spiritual Direction at the Center for Spiritual Development. She also studied Bio-Spiritual Focusing through the Institute for Bio-Spiritual Research. In addition, Joanne’s ministry often touches on issues related to grief, mid-life changes, aging, death and dying. Joanne is also a supervisor for spiritual directors in training through Creighton University. Being creative, imaginative and artistic are important to her, and they find expression in activities like watercolor, photography and…

S. Kathleen Atkinson OSB

S. Kathleen Atkinson OSB is a Benedictine Sister from Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND. Nationally recognized as an energetic and creative leader in hunger and homelessness education, she has developed service learning experiences for all age groups and led service teams to a variety of foreign and United States locations. Kathleen has been a teacher at the elementary, secondary, university level and has served as director of catechesis for the diocese of Bismarck. In 2013 she founded Ministry on the Margins, working with at risk youth, prison inmates, the homeless, and others who are God’s poor among us. Ministry on the Margins currently serves over 800 people with 80-90 volunteers each week. Kathleen holds an MA in Theology from St John’s University and a Doctorate in Ministry from the St Paul Seminary School of Divinity, University of St Thomas. She is the author of several articles on spirituality and mission as well as two books published by Liguori Press – God is Always There. Psalms for Every Moment,  and Letting Go and Letting God. 21 Centuries of Faith. 

S. Michaela Hedican OSB

Michaela Hedican OSB is former Prioress of St. Benedict’s Monastery (St. Joseph, MN), former Prioress of St. Bede’s Monastery (Eau Claire, WI) and former President of the Federation of St. Benedict. She was named one of the outstanding Catholics of the Year 2016 by Our Sunday Visitor.

Samuel Rahberg

Sam Rahberg is former Director of the Benedictine Center and a spiritual director in St. Paul. He is author of Ice Break: A Collection of Poems (Aetos Publications, 2019), Enduring Ministry: Toward a Lifetime of Christian Leadership (Liturgical Press, 2017), and The Gospels in Poem and Image (Aetos Publications, 2016-2019). Sam has experience in parish ministry and holds a master’s degree in theology from Saint John’s University (Collegeville, MN). Through spiritual direction, individual and group ministerial reflection, and writing, Sam companions Christian leaders as they re-discover the sense of calling and giftedness at the heart of Christ-centered ministry. In his spare time, you will find Sam tending his family’s small tree farm or fly fishing for trout in Southeast Minnesota. Learn more at www.samuelrahberg.com. Email sam@samuelrahberg.com   Available for: Spiritual direction Speaking/Facilitation Supervision for spiritual directors       

Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, M. Div.

Sheryl Lyndes Stowman, M. Div., she/her, has had a lifelong love of the mysterious and creative Presence we often call the Divine or True Nature.  This brought her early in life into the Christian ministry and following a Christian contemplative path.  She spent 33 years as a Clinical Pastoral Educator/Chaplain guiding ministers in personal and professional development.  This is where she delved deeply into psychological understandings of personality and spiritual development.  She also trained in spiritual guidance from an eco-feminist perspective and has practiced as a spiritual director since 1998.  Drawn to the wisdom and integration of Diamond Approach 17 years ago, she has been an active student and currently is an ordained teacher-minister in this spiritual path as well. 

Sister Mary White, OSB

Mary White, OSB is both a licensed psychotherapist and a skilled teacher of Christian meditation. Her work draws on the wisdom of the world’s great spiritual traditions as well as her extensive background in psychology and sociology. She is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery.

Susan Stabile

Susan Stabile is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and an adjunct instructor in Theology at St. Catherine’s University. She previously held the position of Director of the University of St. Thomas Office for Spirituality.  Susan is a spiritual director and retreat leader trained in the Ignatian tradition. She offers individual spiritual direction and conducts retreats, RCIA and adult faith formation classes, and other programs at parishes, retreat houses and other venues.  Susan is the author of Growing in Love and Wisdom (Oxford University Press) and the blog, Creo en Dios!, on which she posts spiritual reflections and podcasts.    

Teri Rose

Terry Johnson

Victor Klimoski

Victor Klimoski is a writer and editor for whom poetry helps him understand himself and the world.  Because of that, he offers support and encouragement to other writers through workshops and coaching.  Born next to the Wolf River in northern Wisconsin, he learned early that nature is his first and best teacher. He has produced eight collections of poems and edited three anthologies prior to Referencing Earth.  With Kathy Fleming, he authors a weekly e-posting called “WordImage.”

Victoria Fritz

Victoria Fritz is a professional chef and former restaurant owner. She is a Benedictine Oblate and serves as manager of the kitchen at St. Paul’s Monastery. Victoria and her team cook all of the meals at the Monastery from scratch, building the menu around the produce from the CSA shares from Fresh Earth Farms. She loves her “Magic” Combitherm Oven that cooks with steam and traditional convection at the same time.

Wendy Mitch

Wendy Mitch has been challenging, training, and developing others for more than 30 years.  She is a certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West.  She has her Master’s degree in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University, and is a licensed facilitator for the Arbinger Institute.  She has 30 years of professional service in the Catholic Church and is the owner of Shifting Perspectives: Integral Coaching and Consulting. Wendy has facilitated hundreds of workshops, retreats, and seminars in the areas of Spiritual Development, Outward Mindset, Servant Leadership, Self-Deception, as well as the Medicine Wheel and now her newest program, Spiral Dynamics. Wendy and her husband, Rusty, have 6 adult children and live in Plover, WI.

Jeff Dols

Jeff Dols is the Director of the Benedictine Center of St. Paul’s Monastery. He has a long history with the Benedictine tradition, going back to his childhood in St. Joseph, MN, where he was educated by the Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Jeff is an Oblate of the Monastery and has previously served in several advisory roles, including the Benedictine Center, Oblate and Mission Advancement Advisory Committees. Professionally, Jeff has experience in both the for profit and nonprofit sector, having held leadership roles in multiple strategic planning and organizational development efforts over the past 20+ years, for companies such as Optum, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank. Jeff also served as Executive Director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Jeff holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University in La Crosse.     CONTACT t | 651-777-7251 e | jdols@stpaulsmonastery.org

Kiely Todd Roska

Kiely Todd Roska is a former Associate Director of the Benedictine Center. Kiely holds an M.A. in Religion and Theology (United Theological Seminary) as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She has worked in faith-based nonprofit and congregational settings for over 20 years. Kiely loves to bike, knit, swim, dance, and bake bread. She also believes in trying new things as a spiritual practice.  

Sister Virginia Matter, OSB

(Sister Virginia is open to meeting with retreatants, but is no longer meeting with ongoing spiritual directees.) Virginia Matter, OSB is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery and came to the Center from the health care field. She worked in nursing and in pastoral ministry. Virginia has done significant preparation in the area of spirituality, Centering Prayer, Bio-Spiritual Focusing, retreats, and Spiritual Direction. She also has experience in pottery and Native American creative arts. CONTACT e | vmatter@benedictinecenter.org Available for: One-on-one spiritual direction Bio-spiritual focusing Pottery instruction Questions about Centering Prayer

Victor Klimoski

Victor Klimoski, Ph.D. is the former Director of Lifelong Learning at Saint John’s School of Theology and provides consulting services for the Benedictine Center of St. Paul’s Monastery. He holds a doctorate in adult education from the University of Minnesota and works extensively  as a group facilitator and project consultant. He is also author of a number of poetry collections, most recently Revisited, Gleanings (contributing editor), Margin Notes and Lamentation for the Written Word. Email Victor Available for: Facilitation Consulting Coaching for writing  

Barbara Sutton

Barbara Sutton has been Adjunct Professor of Theology at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary (Collegeville, MN) since 2007 and served as a visiting scholar at the Benedictine Center during the 2017-2018 program year. She holds a doctorate in ministry from Saint Paul Seminary and School of Divinity (St. Paul, MN). Barbara maintains research interests in Christian leadership, forming women and men for ministry, and helping people cultivate community. With Victor Klimoski she edited the Illuminating Ministry Series (Liturgical Press). She was also instrumental in the development of the Seeing the Word materials that accompany The Saint John’s Bible. Email Barbara Available for: speaking and facilitation

Chris Folkenson

Chris Folkenson works behind the scenes with guest services, ensuring every guest arrives to a comfortable room.

Kathleen Cahalan

Kathleen A. Cahalan is Director of the Collegeville Institute Seminars and Professor of Theology at Saint John’s University School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is the author of several books, most recently, Opening the Field of Practical Theology, eds. Kathleen A. Cahalan and Gordon Mikoski (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2014) and Living Your Discipleship: Seven Ways to Express Your Deepest Calling with Laura Kelly Fanucci (Twenty-Third Publications, 2015), Call It What It Is (2016), Calling all Years Good, edited with Bonnie Miller-McLemore (2016), and Christian Practical Wisdom, with Dorothy C. Bass, Bonnie Miller-McLemore, James Nieman, and Christian Scharen (Wm B. Eerdmans, 2016).

Peter Watkins

Peter Watkins, M.Div. is a certified spiritual director and retreat leader at the Benedictine Center.  He holds a certificate in spiritual direction from Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality where he teaches and accompanies people through the Ignatian Exercises.  He is a life-long runner, father of three sons, and a bluegrass banjo player.    

Sheryl Rose

(Sheryl Rose is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time.) Sheryl Rose holds an MA in Organizational Leadership and Spirituality from St. Catherine University.  She was certified as a Labyrinth Facilitator at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and was trained at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI as a Spiritual Director. Sheryl recently retired from parish ministry after over 25 years in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Sheryl is available to journey with people via Zoom, inside her home in SW Richfield or at the Benedictine Center.  During the warmer months, she also offers spiritual direction in an outdoor setting, often using the sacred walking path of her backyard labyrinth for those seeking another way to integrate mind, body and spirit. Sheryl writes: Being a first born overly responsible type, I worked full time while raising two children and volunteering at our parish and in the community.  This life was managed by color coded calendars, sticky notes and to do lists posted all over the house and car.  I was either “On” or “Off” (asleep).  Sitting in church, I remember being indignant every time the Martha/Mary story came up in the Gospel reading because…

Steve Arnold

Steven (Steve) F. Arnold is a Deacon within the Lutheran confessional movement of the Church catholic. Steve is certified as a Director of Christian Education and as a Lutheran Teacher and has served the Church through parish ministry, teaching at a Lutheran high school, and serving on the faculty of a Lutheran university where he taught parish leadership and lifespan faith formation. Steve currently serves as a Chaplain at Crest View Senior Communities. Steve is a Spiritual Director, in the Christian tradition, and is a member of Spiritual Directors International. Steve continues in ongoing personal formation as a spiritual director. Steve’s formation as a Spiritual Director took place through The Christos Center. Steve has served as an organizational consultant and also has served on many boards and committees over the years.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Wittenberg English Ministry and on the Board of Directors for Venite Ministries in Minneapolis. Steve is a teacher, retreat leader, speaker, author, chaplain, tour leader and bridge-builder. His work has included a number of cross-cultural and international experiences of bringing Christians together from around the world to learn and grow together. Steve’s doctoral work and research are in the areas of adult…

Kami Pohl

(Kami Pohl is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time.) Kami Pohl received her training as a spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center (La Crosse, WI). Kami has experience in working on a church staff as Director of Community Engagement, in classroom teaching, in organizational development and training, and in being a full time Mom. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in human resource development from the University of Minnesota. She and her husband live in Plymouth and enjoy time with family, friends, taking long walks, listening to live music and reading. Kami writes: I am a mirror that follows the Light to notice, listen, connect, reflect and encourage. That is my short explanation for who I am as a spiritual director or companion. The longer story of my involvement with spiritual direction began in the fall of 2012 when I was going through a time of transition. Changes in my family and work helped me realize I did not feel that I was living out my call from God. I longed for my spiritual journey to be woven into the fabric of each ordinary day. Meeting with a spiritual director provided a place to unpack…

Rev. Kathie Nycklemoe

(Rev. Kathie Nycklemoe is not receiving new spiritual directees at this time.) Kathie Nycklemoe has served in public ministry since 1989, and as a pastor since 1995. Her training in contemplative practices began at the Shalem Institute (Baltimore, MD) under the direction of Tilden Edwards and Gerald May, and she received her training to be a spiritual director from the Franciscan Spirituality Center (La Crosse, WI). She is Associate Pastor of St. Stephen’s Lutheran (Bloomington, MN) a pastor and spiritual director who regularly leads retreats for clergy and lay folks. She also serves as a clergy coach through the Fairview Clergy Health Center and as a mentor/teacher with the Spiritual Direction Certification Program at the Lutheran Southern Seminary (Columbia, SC). Kathie loves to spend time with her husband and three young adult children, be outdoors as much as possible, read, travel, and . . . embrace her inner sloth. CONTACT e | knycklemoe@ststephen.net Available for: Spiritual direction Clergy coaching Speaking/Facilitation Supervision for spiritual directors

Tod Twist

(Tod Twist is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time.) In addition to being on the Spiritual Direction team at the Benedictine Center, Tod Twist also serves as Co-Director. Tod trained as a Spiritual Director through the program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. At present, Tod’s work life is bi-vocational: he works in building maintenance at St. Paul’s Monastery in addition to his role at the Benedictine Center. Tod writes: After things went differently in mid-life than I thought they were supposed to, spiritual direction was a big part of my learning to live the life that was actually happening for me, as opposed to the life that I thought I was supposed to be living. It took a long time for me to adjust, and I needed others to listen to me as I trudged through it all.    Aside from marrying my beloved spouse and being blessed with our two children, the best thing that has ever happened in my life is growing in my experience of God’s presence. For me, that experience of God’s presence comes along different pathways—some traditional, some unexpected. The central conviction that I bring to spiritual companioning…

Rev. Peggy Thompson

(Rev. Peggy Thompson is open to receiving new spiritual directees at this time.) Rev. Peggy Thompson (known as Margaret Carroll in the art world) is a chaplain, spiritual director and artist who enjoys combining creativity and spirituality in her own work  and with her clients. Peggy received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, an M.Div. from United Theological Seminary, and certification in spiritual direction from The Cenacle Retreat Center. She is ordained in the United Church of Christ and is board certified in The Association of Professional Chaplains. Peggy has been an Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery since 1993 and has been trained to teach Centering Prayer. She maintains a studio in the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis where she paints, as well as a family cabin in the North Woods where she finds rest and renewal. Learn more at www.mcarrollartist.com.  

Sister Carol Rennie, OSB

Sister Carol Rennie, OSB is a former prioress of St. Paul’s Monastery who served for many years as a spiritual director and an anchor for Benedictine Center hospitality. Although retired, she continues to encourage the Benedictine Center staff in the mission she supported so faithfully.

Sister Jacqueline Leiter, OSB

Jacqueline Leiter, OSB is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery and serves on the Leadership team as Monastery Treasurer.  She has served as a teacher in the St. Paul Public Schools and is a spiritual director for the Benedictine Center. Sister Jacqueline is also an artist and photographer.  One of her original works of art won first place in the 2017 Seeing God Juried Exhibit at St. Paul’s Monastery Gallery.  Her work was featured in a group exhibition at a local St. Paul church in 2022 with a solo show scheduled in the fall of 2023.

Linda Anderson

Linda Anderson is a Benedictine Associate of St. Paul’s Monastery with experience in parish ministry. She serves as a Hospitality Assistant for the Benedictine Center, welcoming the guests who come to the monastery for retreats, workshops, and other events.

Sister Sharon Schiller, OSB

Sharon Schiller, OSB is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery and has been a teacher in childcare centers and also a secretary. She is now part of the hospitality team of the Benedictine Center.

Mary Elizabeth Ilg

Mary Elizabeth Ilg, OblSB serves as Co-Director of the Benedictine Center.  She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota.

Carol Quest

Carol Quest has been practicing Centering Prayer for over 25 years and is an active member of the St. Olaf centering prayer group. As a part of the Minnesota centering prayer network, she is a member of the Minnesota Contemplative Outreach Service Team, a former chapter coordinator and a  commissioned presenter of the Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop.  Nationally, she serves as a member of both the Contemplative Outreach Mentor Team and the Centering Prayer Introductory Program Service Team.

Michael Dennis Browne

Michael Dennis Browne came to the United States in 1965 from England, where he was born, of mostly Irish ancestry, in 1940. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he taught at Iowa, Columbia, Bennington, and the University of Minnesota. He is now a professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, where he taught for thirty-nine years, served a term as director of the creative writing program, and was a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Browne’s poems have been published in many magazines and anthologies, and his awards include fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bush Foundation, the Jerome Foundation, and the McKnight Foundation. Two of his collections have won the Minnesota Book Award for poetry. His most recent collection of poems, The Voices, was published by Carnegie Mellon in the 2016 As a librettist, he has written many texts for music, working for many years with composer Stephen Paulus. Their post-Holocaust oratorio, To Be Certain of the Dawn, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in music by the Minnesota Orchestra. Other composers he has worked with include John Foley S.J., Carolyn Jennings, Juliana Hall, Tim Takach and Craig Hella Johnson, with whom he recently collaborated on Considering Matthew…

Sister Paula Hagen, OSB

Sister Paula Hagen, OSB is the author of Ministry of Mothers Sharing.  For over thirty years, she has created and facilitated various national retreats for hundreds of parishes.  Currently, she is a presenter at the Benedictine Center of St. Paul’s Monastery.

Monastic Community

We are a community of 37 Sisters, 2 Benedictine Associates, 185 Oblates, family and friends. We belong to a Federation of Benedictine Communities located throughout the world. Our life consists of prayer and service. We work in schools, parishes, nursing homes and our Benedictine Retreat Center which offers retreats and spiritual direction. Maple Tree  Monastery Childcare Center is located on our campus. We support the spiritual growth of people of all faith traditions and help them find God in their daily life. Please join us for prayer, programs, retreats or special events. All are welcomed as Christ. My motto as the 11th Prioress of St. Paul’s Monastery is, “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your heart.” (Rule of St. Benedict: Prologue) S. Paula Hagen OSB, Prioress

Kirsten Malcolm Berry

Kirsten Malcolm Berry’s paintings combine image and text from the Greek New Testament.  She has shown her art in 65 solo and two-person exhibits, and a similar number of group shows. Religious periodicals, book covers, and Augsburg Fortress Sunday bulletins have featured her work. Kirsten lives in Minneapolis with her husband Paul; they have two married daughters and three toddler grandkids.

Diane Millis

Diane M. Millis, PhD, is an educator, author, spiritual director, and leadership coach. She is the founder of Companions on a Journey at the College of Saint Benedict, funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., and the Journey Conversations Project. Diane has also served as a coach and consultant for the Lilly Endowment, Inc., working with leadership teams at colleges, universities, and theological schools throughout the United States. Diane currently teaches Narrative Leadership at United Theological Seminary, and coaches leaders in a wide array of sectors—educational, congregational, philanthropic, health care, non-profit and corporate. She is the author of three books, Re-Creating a Life (SDI Press, 2019), Deepening Engagement (SkyLight Paths, 2015), and Conversation–The Sacred Art (SkyLight Paths, 2013). She lives in Minneapolis and shares her life with her husband, Mark, and their son, Ryan. She is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes faith community. more info, visit www.dianemillis.com.  

Cindy Abbott

Cindy Abbott is an Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery.

Cathy Scherer Stubbs

Cathy Scherer Stubbs is a writer and musician who grew up on a farm west of the Twin Cities and presently lives in Stillwater. She received her B.A. in Communications from St. Catherine University and her M.A. in Theology/Pastoral Ministry from Saint John’s University and has served as a pastoral minister at several parishes.  Her book, Fields of Grace, Everyday Encounters with the Holy, is a collection of poetry and photographs that illustrates the movement of God’s Spirit in everyday life. She has also recorded 2 CDs: “Simple Bouquet, Ballads of Faith & Everyday Life,” and “Lullaby & Goodnight” all of which are available on amazon.com.